• Age: 18
• Grade: 12

In his third and concluding volume, Lloyd P. Gerson presents an innovative account of Platonism, the central tradition in the history of philosophy, in conjunction with Naturalism, the "anti-Platonism" in antiquity and contemporary philosophy.

Gerson contends that Platonism identifies philosophy with a distinct subject matter, namely, the intelligible world and seeks to show that the Naturalist rejection of Platonism entails the elimination of a distinct subject matter for philosophy. Thus, the possibility of philosophy depends on the truth of Platonism. From Aristotle to Plotinus to Proclus, Gerson clearly links the construction of the Platonic system well beyond simply Plato's dialogues, providing strong evidence of the vast impact of Platonism on philosophy throughout history. Platonism and Naturalism concludes that attempts to seek a rapprochement between Platonism and Naturalism are unstable and likely indefensible.

Lloyd P. Gerson's profile page

• Winner, Choice Magazine Outstanding Academic Title

Lloyd P. Gerson is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Toronto. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including, most recently, From Plato to Platonism.

The book impresses most by the way it combines its depth of hermeneutic and analytical detail with a far-reaching perspective on what is at stake philosophically and for philosophy itself.

Bryn Mawr Classical Review

Both excellent intellectual history and sharp contemporary philosophy, this book will be of great interest to historians of philosophy and naturalistic philosophers alike. Exceptional.

Choice

The significance of this monograph cannot be overestimated. Not only is it a highly original and fresh account of the historical odyssey of Platonism from Plato to Damascius (with Aristotle, like it or not, taken on board and, occasionally, tied to the mast), but it is also an attempt to bring back philosophy, as it was conceived of until quite recently, to the late modern intellectual and spiritual milieu.

The Classical Review

A short review hardly does justice to this formidable book... I applaud his synoptic approach and admire his effort to come to grips with many of the most difficult passages in Plato and other Platonists. Like the book or not, Platonism and Naturalism deserves to be read by anyone trying to make sense of Plato.

Journal of the History of Philosohpy